The Circus Is Coming To Town: MMA Bringing Traveling Circus To Tom Nevers For Fundraiser

The circus is coming to town. Quite literally.

That is, if the Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) can successfully obtain the necessary permits. The island non-profit has proposed holding a "Stargazer Circus" event this July at the Tom Nevers fields, which would serve as its new signature summer fundraiser.

A public hearing will be held before the Select Board on April 1st (yes it's April Fools Day but this is not a joke) for the MMA's request for a public assembly permit to hold the circus from July 23rd - July 26th.

The MMA is partnering with Venardos Circus, a Broadway-style traveling circus founded by former Ringling Bros. ringmaster Kevin Venardos, to bring a world-class circus experience to Nantucket for the event.

But how does a circus connect to the mission of the MMA?

"A circus fosters a sense of wonder, curiosity, and imagination, just as Maria Mitchell inspired in others," the non-profit said in a statement provided to the Current. 

The Stargazer Circus would feature acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, comedy, storytelling, and live performances under a big-top tent in what the MMA is calling a "family-friendly, community-centered, four-day celebration." The Venardos Circus is an animal-free production. 

As proposed, the four-day Stargazer Circus event would begin with a ticketed premier party on July 23rd from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

• Friday, July 24: 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 25: 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, July 26: 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Tickets, which go on sale April 2 on the Maria Mitchell Association website, are $95 for adults and $45 for kids 12 and under. The opening night premiere party tickets are $750 per person. 

All proceeds from the circus support the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association’s educational mission, programs, and science education and research.

While Tom Nevers has previously hosted the Nantucket Atheneum's "Circus Flora" fundraiser, as well as a traveling carnival during the summer months, those events have been defunct for years. The Island Fair has made a comeback during the fall, but doesn't feature the circus acts the MMA is hoping to bring this summer.